Big Ten football power rankings: Week 7

Dylan Buell / Getty Images

AP ranking: No. 2

Record: 6-0, 3-0

Result: Defeated No. 10 Wisconsin, 30-23, in OT

Last week: No. 2

Up next: at Penn State (4-2, 2-1)

We’re all prisoners of the moment, so Ohio State jumps past Michigan this week by virtue of beating a top-10 team while the Wolverines had a bye. It wasn’t easy, but the Buckeyes passed their first true road test of the season (Sorry, Oklahoma). J.T. Barrett, left, threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Noah Brown in overtime, his 89th career touchdown passing or rushing, breaking the school record previously held by quarterback Braxton Miller. The “Baby Buckeyes” continue to roll thanks to Barrett, whose veteran leadership has proven invaluable, especially in a hostile environment like Camp Randall. The defense once again came up big, sacking Alex Hornibook on fourth-and-goal from the 4 to end the game. We’ve reached the point in the season where statistics start to have more meaning given the larger sample sizes, and Ohio State is giving up just 4.13 yards per play, third-best nationally. The Buckeyes have another tough road game this week at Penn State, but there’s just too much talent on this roster for a slipup.

AP ranking: No. 2

Record: 6-0, 3-0

Result: Defeated No. 10 Wisconsin, 30-23, in OT

Last week: No. 2

Up next: at Penn State (4-2, 2-1)

We’re all prisoners of the moment, so Ohio State jumps past Michigan this week by virtue of beating a top-10 team while the Wolverines had a bye. It wasn’t easy, but the Buckeyes passed their first true road test of the season (Sorry, Oklahoma). J.T. Barrett, left, threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Noah Brown in overtime, his 89th career touchdown passing or rushing, breaking the school record previously held by quarterback Braxton Miller. The “Baby Buckeyes” continue to roll thanks to Barrett, whose veteran leadership has proven invaluable, especially in a hostile environment like Camp Randall. The defense once again came up big, sacking Alex Hornibook on fourth-and-goal from the 4 to end the game. We’ve reached the point in the season where statistics start to have more meaning given the larger sample sizes, and Ohio State is giving up just 4.13 yards per play, third-best nationally. The Buckeyes have another tough road game this week at Penn State, but there’s just too much talent on this roster for a slipup.

Michigan, under coach Jim Harbaugh, gained ground during its bye week, jumping to No. 3 in the Associated Press poll, its highest ranking since 2006. The Wolverines figure to stay at the top, since it’s smooth sailing from here: Michigan doesn’t face a ranked team until its end-of-the season showdown with Ohio State, and get virtually a second week in a row off by playing Illinois, probably the worst team in the conference, at home. Although mired in a four-game losing streak, the worst in coach Mark Dantonio’s 10 seasons, Michigan State figures to play the Wolverines tough, and at least one of Maryland, Iowa and Indiana will make Michigan work for it (at least in the first half). But we all know Ohio State-Michigan is a virtual playoff elimination game. Is it Nov. 26 yet?

AP ranking: No. 3

Record: 6-0, 3-0

Result: Bye

Last week: No. 1

Up next: vs. Illinois (2-4, 1-2)

Michigan, under coach Jim Harbaugh, gained ground during its bye week, jumping to No. 3 in the Associated Press poll, its highest ranking since 2006. The Wolverines figure to stay at the top, since it’s smooth sailing from here: Michigan doesn’t face a ranked team until its end-of-the season showdown with Ohio State, and get virtually a second week in a row off by playing Illinois, probably the worst team in the conference, at home. Although mired in a four-game losing streak, the worst in coach Mark Dantonio’s 10 seasons, Michigan State figures to play the Wolverines tough, and at least one of Maryland, Iowa and Indiana will make Michigan work for it (at least in the first half). But we all know Ohio State-Michigan is a virtual playoff elimination game. Is it Nov. 26 yet?